Car accidents are stressful enough, but when they leave you with dental injuries, the aftermath can be even more overwhelming. Chipped teeth, broken jaws, or lost teeth are not only painful—they can also be expensive and require ongoing treatment. And unfortunately, dental damage is often overlooked in the initial chaos following a crash.

In Massachusetts, if another driver’s negligence caused your dental injury, you may be entitled to compensation. That said, getting a fair outcome isn’t always straightforward. Knowing what to do in the days and weeks after your accident can make all the difference when it comes to your claim. Consulting with an experienced MA car accident lawyer can be the difference of being fairly compensated or not as well.

Start with Medical and Dental Care

Even if you think your injuries aren’t serious, it’s still important to get checked out right away. A cracked tooth or jaw pain might not seem like much at first—but left untreated, those issues can get worse and more costly down the road.

Visit a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. Having that visit documented is a big help later if you decide to pursue a claim. Some common dental injuries from car crashes include:

• Knocked-out or loose teeth
• Cracks or fractures in teeth
• Injuries to the jaw or TMJ (jaw joint)
• Soft tissue injuries inside the mouth

The sooner you get treatment and a diagnosis, the better your recovery—and the stronger your legal case.

How Massachusetts’ No-Fault Law Comes Into Play

In Massachusetts, we have a no-fault auto insurance system. That means your own insurance will typically cover your initial medical expenses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), regardless of who caused the crash. This includes dental care.

PIP in Massachusetts generally covers up to $8,000 in medical expenses. However, if you have health insurance, PIP might only pay up to $2,000, with your health insurance picking up the rest. If your treatment costs more than that—or your injuries are particularly severe—you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver.

You can pursue a third-party claim if:

• Your reasonable medical expenses exceed $2,000, or
• You suffer a serious and permanent disfigurement, broken bones, or loss of important bodily functions (which may include jaw or facial trauma)

Don’t Skip the Paperwork

If you’re thinking about filing a claim, documentation is your best friend. Here’s what to gather:

• The police report from the accident
• Photos of your injuries (especially your face and mouth)
• Dental x-rays and treatment records
• Bills for procedures and medications
• A journal describing your pain, recovery, and how the injury is affecting your life

Also, keep track of missed work and any activities you’ve had to limit because of your injury. That kind of detail adds strength to your claim.

Watch What You Say to Insurance Companies

Soon after the crash, you’ll probably hear from an insurance adjuster. Be polite—but cautious. Don’t give a recorded statement or speculate about your injuries. Just stick to the basics. Better yet, let a lawyer speak on your behalf.

Insurance companies prioritize profits, which means they want to minimize what they pay out in claims. They may try to argue that dental injuries are cosmetic, not necessary, or unrelated to the crash. Having an attorney who knows how to push back can make a big difference.

Factor in Long-Term Treatment

Dental injuries often come with a long recovery. You might need follow-up visits, replacements for crowns or implants, or additional procedures years later. That’s why any settlement or award should account for not just your current costs, but your future needs too.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will work closely with your dental care providers to estimate what’s ahead and make sure it’s included in your claim.

Timing Is Important

In Massachusetts, you have a three-year time limit from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That may sound like plenty of time—but building a strong case takes planning. Evidence can be lost, memories fade, and insurance deadlines are much shorter.

If you’re considering a claim, don’t wait too long to get legal advice.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

Dental injuries from a car accident aren’t just painful—they can impact your quality of life, ability to work, and long-term health. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we help accident victims throughout Massachusetts get the care and compensation they need to move forward.

From filing claims and negotiating with insurance companies to taking your case to court if needed, we’re in your corner every step of the way.

Contact us today for a free consultation.